Owl and Pussycat Sets Up in Hillsborough

Local Hillsborough resident Matthew Kennedy had the idea to set up a new eatery in the very popular and charming village of Hillsborough.

Matthew’s experience is in construction so he was very pleased with the helpful service provided to him by the Go for It programme.  He found his meetings with Patricia at the Lisburn Enterprise Organisation very beneficial as she helped him identified areas he needed to research more and the importance of sales.

Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee visited the coffee shop and met Matthew.  Speaking about the Owl and Pussycat, he said: “This new coffee shop is ideally located close to the school and the name I am sure brings the poem of the same name to the mind of both adults and children.  However, the name was one of many discussed by Matthew with family and friends and was not on the list as a reminder of his childhood.  The theme of these two animals is evident throughout the coffee shop and a book of the poem is available for purchase.

“The Owl and Pussycat offers a range of baked goods, crepes, milkshakes, scones and muffins to accompany its speciality coffees.  It has been busy since it opened in August 2016 and very popular with all ages.  Within the coffee shop there is an area that young children can go and relax or play as the adults catch up with each other.  I wish Matthew every success with his new venture.”

If you are interested in being your own boss and have a business idea you would like assistance to progress please contact Go for It on 0800 027 0639 or log on to goforitni.com

Matthew speaking about his new business venture and the Go for It programme, said: “The meetings we had to work through the business plan were very worthwhile. Together we thoroughly researched the industry & local competition to try & create a plan and figures that were as realistic as possible. Having been open coming up on a year now I can say we did a pretty good job as our business plan & figures haven’t been that far wrong.

“Both my wife Tracey, who runs the business day to day, & I are delighted with how trade has been for the first 10 months and we are gradually starting to expand into other areas including outdoor catering. We are excited about where the business is at nearly one year in and the potential growth opportunities going forward. We owe a big thank you to Patricia and the team at Lisburn Enterprise Organisation for their help!”